THE BEST LASER RANGEFINDER OF 2018

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INDEPENDENT & UNBIASED

MyGolfSpy accepts $0 advertising dollars from any of the major golf manufacturers. We believe in always putting #ConsumerFirst.

30

HoursResearched

2

ExpertsInterviewed

28

ProductsConsidered

33.8m

Readers

2018 LASER RANGEFINDER BUYER’S GUIDE

The 2018 rangefinders are the best we have ever tested.

The number of products is growing, the feature sets are increasing, and most still do a terrific job of giving you distance to the target. Within the last year, the rangefinder market has evolved dramatically. The best lasers not only capture the distance to target simply, quickly, and accurately, but many offer additional features to give you the confidence to hit the shot required.

One key to our testing protocols is testing products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put the products through detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products and explain why, and give awards to the best performing products in the category.

This year we approached our rangefinder testing with more critical scoring and improved protocols. This was based on an intensive look at the market and feedback from consumers just like you. Several key findings from that research influenced the rangefinder testing process for 2018.

We can definitively say that some laser rangefinders performed better than others. For this guide, we evaluated each model looking specifically at the consistency of distances provided, the clarity of the visual field, and the unit’s ability to capture distances above of 200 yards. Our top performers stood out among the pack.

2018 Rangefinder Features Chart

Name

Magnification

Crosshair Color

Range

Lock Indicator

Y/M

Slope

Warranty

Bushnell Hybrid

5X

Black

5-1000

Jolt

Y

N

2 Year

Bushnell Pro X2

6X

Black/Red

5-1300

Jolt

Y

Y

2 Year

Bushnell Tour V4

5X

Black

5-1000

Jolt

Y

N

2 Year

Garmin Approach Z80

6X

Red

5-350

Laser Range Arc

Y

Y

1 Year

Leupold GX-1i

6X

Red

5-400

Red Triangle

Y

N

LifeTime

Leupold GX-2I

6X

Red

5-400

Red Triangle

Y

Y

LifeTime

Leupold GX-3i

6X

Red

5-400

Red Triangle

Y

N

LifeTime

Leupold GX-5i

6X

Red

5-450

Red Triangle

Y

Y

LifeTime

Nikon CoolShot 20

6X

Black

6-550

Black Triangle

Y

N

NA

Nikon CoolShot 80 VR

6X

Black

8-1000

Black Circle

Y

N

NA

Nikon Pro Stabilized

6X

Red

8-1200

Green Circle

Y

Y

5 Year

PRECISION Nexus

6X

Black

5-400

Black Circle

Y

N

1 Year

PRECISION NX7

6X

Black

5-400

Black Circle

Y

N

2 Year

PRECISION NX7 Pro

5X

Black

5-400

Pulse

Y

Y

2 Year

SCOREBAND Vibe SL 600

6X

Black

1-400

Pulse

Y

N

NA

THE METRICS

We’re always fine-tuning our evaluation process to ensure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.

Over the course of the test, golfers lasered flagsticks from three different distances. The flagsticks were outfitted with reflective prisms to best evaluate the laser’s effectiveness at capturing a distance to a flag.

To establish whether the distance produced was consistent and accurate, testers shot each distance ten times with each device.

We found that some products struggled to pick up the target at the longest distance. If a product failed to acquire the correct target in three tries, the incorrect distance was recorded.

Accuracy (40 Points) – The goal is to test the consistency of the distances provided. Products that performed well provide the same distances time and time again. While minor variations of +/- one or two yards were common across all models, some entries provided readings that varied by more than five yards or failed to pick up the flagstick entirely.

In a sport described as a game of inches, it is imperative that provided distances are consistent. If you practice based on the distance provided by your device; even if the actual distance is different your club distances should correlate to what your device is telling. In other words, a consistent distance is more important than the correct distance.

Speed (15 points) – How quick you can get from a blank display to an accurate reading. We found rangefinders with pin-sensing technology were more efficient because they notify the golfer when the distance has been captured. Units without the pin-sensing technology place a greater burden on the golfer to decide when the distance is correct. We also found non-sensing rangefinders were more likely to pick-up foreground and background objects instead of the intended target, creating a lack of trust in the measurement.

Optics (25 points) – How clear is the visual field? Is it possible to easily see the course’s topography? Can you make out invalid blades of grass and grains of sand? While this level of detail may seem insignificant, it can be helpful in assessing the layout of the golf course during play. The slopes of the fairways and greens can be better-taken advantage of when they can be seen clearly.

Display (15 points) – How prominently is the distance displayed? Is the layout overly complicated or too basic? Does the font design and color help or hinder the effectiveness of the display?

Additional Features (5 points) – How many features does the unit have to help determine the right iron/shot to hit? Rangefinders don’t have to be single function devices that provide you distance to the flat and nothing else. Some provide distances to front, middle, and back of the green. Some also have Jolt or vibration technology built from within that give you confidence that the number is correct.

Final grades were awarded based on total scores. The Best Overall is our highest scoring rangefinder, with additional awards given to the top five rangefinders. Additionally, more specific Best in Class recognition is awarded to rangefinders that push the industry envelope in certain categories (optics, accuracy, display, and speed).

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Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized

"Best Rangefinder of 2018"

Accuracy

4th

Speed

4th

Optics

1st

Display

1st

Additional Features

3rd

Total

94

1

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What We Liked

Image stabilization from Nikon is the “2018 Rangefinder Feature of The Year“. The VR (Vibration Reduction) technology found in Nikon’s lenses has finally found its way to its rangefinder line. The increased stability helps golfers with even moderately shaky hands acquire the target faster and with more confidence. The optics are clear and offer a wider field of view. A winning addition to the laser rangefinder category.

Pros

Image stabilization is “2018 Rangefinder Feature of The Year”

Great stabilization for those with shaky hands

Outstanding ergonomics

Stabilization feature boosts confidence in measurements

Accurate and fast

Clear and precise display

Slope feature to adjust for changes in elevation

Cons

Not quite as fast as some other units

Bushnell Hybrid

Accuracy

13th

Speed

3rd

Optics

3rd

Display

2nd

Additional Features

1st

Total

92

#2

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What We Liked

First of its kind hybrid GPS blends Bushnell’s signature rangefinder technology with an onboard GPS to give you distances to the front, middle, and back where the rangefinder alone can’t. The jolt feature provides physical feedback when the target is acquired. The hybrid offers outstanding optics while an option mobile app provides flyovers and layup distances for the hole that you are playing.

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What We Liked

Another outstanding offering from Bushnell. The Pro X2’s display color can be changed from red to black to suit your preference and lighting conditions. It’s also one of the fastest models on the market today. Acquiring pins reliably in fractions of seconds, the X2’s precision and accuracy leads the pack.

Pros

“The Most Accurate Rangefinder of 2018.”

“The Fastest Rangefinder of 2018.”

Built-in jolt technology for added confidence of target acquisition

Adjustable on/off slope feature

Cons

Some may find the no-nonsense design light on features

Bushnell Tour V4

Accuracy

1st

Speed

1st

Optics

3rd

Display

5th

Additional Features

7th

Total

91

#4

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What We Liked

The Tour V4 is an awesome rangefinder for several of reasons. It acquires the target instantly. The bigger and brighter optics provide a crystal clear display of the target and surrounding area. An outstanding option for those who want a simple but effective product.

Pros

Fastest rangefinder of 2018

Best product for accuracy

Great optics

Cons

Not particularly feature-rich

PRECISION PRO NX7

"Best Value"

Accuracy

9th

Speed

9th

Optics

5th

Display

7th

Additional Features

11th

Total

86.5

Shop & Support

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What We Liked

At just $199, the Precision Pro N7 is “The Best Value Rangefinder of 2018”. The Precision NX7 is your compact and basic rangefinder. It may not offer everything that others in the top 5 do, but the NX7 does a great job at acquiring the pin and giving you consistent readings. The NX7 is the best in value when it comes to price and performance.

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Harry Nodwell

2x All American in Soccer and Golf. Grew up in Exmouth, Devon, England before coming to America and study at CNU. Director of Product Testing and Working hard to bring you the most comprehensive and unbiased golf equipment test results for Soft and Hard Goods.
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69 Comments

Dennis W

4 months ago

I have shaky hands and every time I’ve tried to use somebody’s rangefinder I struggle. Does the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabalized have the best stabilization of the group or is there another model that does this one thing the best?

Peter Kuchlk

5 months ago

My Leupold is in for service right now. I was just informed that all mechanical parts are covered under lifetime warranty. My red led display is fading and I was told the electrical components are excluded under warranty. To their credit, they are offering me 60% off on a new Leupold laser. I have used Leupold lasers the past 10 years and always liked them. I will look at other options before making a decision.
Hope this helps

Alan

mackdaddy

6 months ago

Won a Garmin Z80 in an outing. I had a Tec Tec Tec, it worked fine. The Z 80 features are awesome! Having the picture of the hole in the range finder with trouble mapped out and front and back green yardages too.
The target scan works great and I also like the pinepoint feature for when you can’t see the green. I highly recommend it for anyone. The prices are steep.

Pete

jimintruckee

6 months ago

As usual a very interesting article. I would like mygolfspy to test distance accuracy to something other than a pin with a reflector. Say what is the distance to the back of a bunker that I must clear. That is the question I want answered when playing a new course.
I have Bushnell tour v3 which has served me well and pair it with a Bushnell neo GPS. Most of the time all I need to know is FRONT, MIDDLE, BACK of the green.

matt

9 months ago

Hey MyGolfSpy peeps…I just got the Nikon and went out on a course without reflectors today. Optics are top notch, but the vibration reduction is making me a little dizzy. [And the green confirmation came on a couple times when I know there was no reflectors] Did other testers complain about the vibration making them feel a little dizzy? I’m over 40, but have steady hands…and not a crack head; so shaking isn’t an issue. Thinking of switching to Bushnell. Thoughts

Matt

jim

11 months ago

The Nikon Monarch 3000 seems to be the same unit as the COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED. It’s $419 (versus $450) and does slope and image stabilization, but lacks the ability to be tourney legal, something they added to the golf version. That’s your $30 right there. The Monarch is listed to be good for 8 – 3000 yds vs. 8 -1200 yds.

Dave S

11 months ago

Really want to hear more about the Garmin Z80… seemed like that one was the most feature rich; totally different than all the others; surprised it didn’t make the top 5.

I’m sure this won’t happen, but it would be great if you graded them by category and then had an option where the reader could assign a weighting to each category to see which one suits them the most. Accuracy is obviously important, but for most people buying a laser the standard +/- 1 yard is good enough. I don’t think I would so heavily weight Accuracy compared to some of the others categories.

I personally play with an older, basic GPS watch (Bushnell Neo+) and have considered switching to a laser to get access to features like slope, hazards distances, etc., but I am unwilling to give up the simple and quick front/center/back yardages of a watch. For me, Features are more important. The Garmin Z80 and the Bushnell Hybrid caught my eye the most, for just that reason… you don’t give up the functionality and ease of a watch just to get a laser.

Rob

Luca

10 months ago

I’m reading this for your very same reaason, I have a gps watch neo xs and the new garmin or hybrid catched my eye.. I’m considering to keep my gps plus a simple laser rangefinder due to the monster price of the two units..
afterall we already have those informations

Donn Rutkoff

12 months ago

Is it harder for u to just list the data instead of creating a ranking? the ranking does not take into account how significant is the data difference. I read all MGS stuff and appreciate your work. But did all these have god enough accuracy to recommend? were there more rangers tested, and some did not make the grade and are not listed at all? Consumer Reports does testing, no paid advertising, and they list their fails as well.

MarkInLOL

MarkInLOL

12 months ago

Is there any way to drill-down to see the comments on the devices that didn’t make the top 5? For example, the Precision Nexus scored only 0.5 less than the Precision NX7, both having the same ranking on all measures except accuracy. The Nexus is $50 cheaper, yet the NX7 got a top 5 for “Best Value”. It would be nice to read the Nexus review and comments for comparison.

Alexandra

I could test the new NIKON PRO: Outstanding! The best laser I ever had in my hands. Bright optic, perfect haptic and an amazing stabilization. So easy to measure, even for a shaking guy like me. I have to have it.

mackdaddy

John Mackessack

12 months ago

I drowned my $400 Bushnell Tour V3 last month. Replaced it with a Double Eagles DEPRO-800. It cost $145. It does everything the Bushnell did only it’s better built, more weather resistant and is smaller and lighter. A doddle to use.

I don’t care about ‘slope’ as in competition play, you can’t use it, so basically it’s useless anyway, and there has to be some skill factor left. The Bushnell didn’t have slope either, so I’m direct comparison, it’s a #1 for me.

Frank S

12 months ago

I have had a hybrid for 4 years gets the job done due to gps distance is fading not good on distance over 200yds ….why don’t all golf courses put reflective tape on flags… It would cost them next to nothing and would really speed up play!!!

Luc Lacoursiere

12 months ago

Accuracy is obviously the most important part of this test (it’s worth 40 pts). But could you define it better?

1- How close were the distances read on the different rangefinders is what I really want to know. (within 2 yards, I don’t care)
2-How close were the distances read on the same rangefinders? (again, within 2 yards, I don’t care)

If a 200$ machine gives me results just as good as a 400$ one, I know what I’m buying!

BIll

benseattle

12 months ago

I agree that a rangefinder finishing 4th IN ACCURACY would be hard-pressed to ranked number one in a valid survey. UNLESS the differences are only FRACTIONS. (Or, as mentioned earlier, within one or two yards.) If the number one ranked tool is 4th in accuracy but still VERY CLOSE to the best and/or the Actual Number, then we have something. However, MyGolfSpy hasn’t yet disclosed the variances between the Most and Least Accurate. Doing so would be VERY helpful. “Additional Features” is meaningless if accuracy is way off. What’s more, that category should be WEIGHTED.

Gorden

12 months ago

As with any golf equipment having the best you can afford is a big part of the enjoyment of golf….articles like these go a long way to bringing dreams and wishes to the golfer…it is the Sears Catalog effect form 100 years ago…

MyGolfSpy

Duffer E

12 months ago

Question: As a novice golfer, why are some people saying 350yd range is not good at all? Unless your name is Dustin Johnson, you aren’t ever going to hit the ball 350yds, so what use would there be to having a range greater than that?

Scott

Duffer E

12 months ago

That makes sense. Yet another statistic to factor in to my next purchase. Thanks. Now, I wonder how laser strength (i.e. range) factors into battery life…

Donn Rutkoff

12 months ago

How bad is the spread in accuracy between the best and worst? Is it somewhere in the article? Like the Evnroll putter issue, how significant is the low rank? if the low price low rank is still pretty accurate then that is important to me. thnks

Scott

12 months ago

Sorry, the earlier post should have specified the COOLSHOT 20.

Ron-In-Colorado

12 months ago

On the Nikon Coolshot can the “Golf Mode” be turned off for local tournament play? Nikon Web site doesn’t state if it can be disabled. They just state to check your local rules. If you can’t turn it off, then how is it your #1 pick?

Eric

Scott

12 months ago

The Nikon web-site states: “COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED features an Actual Distance Indicator that clearly signals to observers that the Incline/Decline measurement function (ID Technology) is not in use. Green LED light blinks as long as the power is on. The Slope (ID) feature can be turned off, which simultaneously turns off the Competitive Confirmation indicator.”

Joe

11 months ago

As far as I read the rules regarding slope it says any device “capable” of reading slope is not legal for competition. I don’t think it matters if the slope reading feature can be turned off as it would still be “capable” of reading slope. Wouldn’t want to chance a fuzzy rules interpretation.

Thomas Murphy

12 months ago

When I think about a range finder, accurate is what comes to mind. Accuracy breeds confidence. While it is “cool” that Nikon has added stabilization, I would say that may be a case where you should rely on a GPS oriented system. But I would also say seeing upfront somewhere how accuracy varies would be great, if we are talking less than a foot…

Scott

12 months ago

If you are looking for accuracy, then a GPS system would be your last choice. The US Airforce intentionally makes the civilian system less accurate, even if you are on top of a mountain and can see a dozen satellites.
A GPS system will never tell you how far the group ahead of you is, which a laser will.
What about the practice facility? GPS is no use if verify the distance of the markers as the drive-line is moved forward and backward.

JasonA

12 months ago

Just in case there is any confusion the stabilization does not make a laser rangefinder more accurate. It just makes targeting the right object easier.

As a rule of thumb:
Precision (the reading drift) is +- 1 yds or less.
Accuracy (the calibration) is normally +-2 yds. But will be consistent on a given unit. So essentially is immaterial when dialed in for yourself.

Drew

David W

12 months ago

Thanks for the great review! I’m really disappointed in the Garmin, had my hopes set on that one, but dead last in speed and low in optics rules out the cost. I think the setup/features on it are very intriguing if they can fix the speed and optics.

Eron

12 months ago

Surprised to see the Leupold GX 3I so low on optics, it had one of the cleanest views of all the finders, though the tint is not for everyone, it helped cut light noise.
Speed score is pot on, friends bushnell was noticeably quicker.

MyGolfSpy

12 months ago

Leupold makes a great unit, they always have. The issue we are seeing is that the competition has increased and the technology has evolved rapidly. We feel that Leupold was a leader in the past but they have failed to evolve with the competition. They have stayed pretty much the same while the others have all gotten better.

Josh

12 months ago

What exactly plays into the optics grading then? Just perceived clarity when you look through it? Some of these units have a focus and if it’s not focused it can look blurry. It’s not like you guys pulled these things apart and inspected the lenses. Not a Leupold fanboy by anymeans but ever since I downgraded to my old one and sold the fancy Leupold, I do miss it.

Eron

11 months ago

Thanks for responding- all valid points. Hence why I haven’t upgraded and if/ when I do the bushnell Z4 is looking pretty good.

Dave

12 months ago

Definitely agree that there are better and more techy options out there than my 3i. But, I gotta say the lifetime warranty has been absolute key! A couple years back I thought I was looking at needing to throw down $400+ on a new rangefinder when the 100-level digit went out on my Leupold. For the cost of shipping ($10?) I got a brand new, and current model as a replacement. I’ve only needed to purchase one rangefinder in the last 8-10 years.

BIll

If every course had the laser prism on the flag (ridiculous they don’t given pace of play issues) a $500 rangefinder would be a complete waste. On my regular tracks that do the Coolshot 20 rings it up in a nano second. Only regret? Like everyone else no slope.

Allen

Robert

12 months ago

I pre-orderd the Bushnell Hybrid and while it’s good, it is harder to catch some pins. I wish it also had a slope feature, but I guess they need something to put in the next version. If it had slope, it would be by far the best rangefinder out there. Overall a really cool rangefinder and if you are like me and like GPS as well, it’s perfect. I always want to know how far or how short I can hit a shot and still be on the green. The distance to the pin only tells part of the story.

Terry McDowell

Odd. My TecTecTec is on it’s 3rd year and it has never failed to pick up a flag and is just as accurate as any of my friend’s rangefinders.

MyGolfSpy

12 months ago

If it works for you we are happy to hear that!

In a head-to-head-test though is where you get to see the differences. Did you test that against all some of the ones in our test? We are confident if you did you would quickly see the differences in the optics and display and accuracy and speed of the other units when comparing to the TecTecTec.

Terry McDowell

12 months ago

I’m sure the others are better in every way but for $120 I can live with that. All I need to know is the distance to the flag and i’m golden.

JasonA

12 months ago

I have the original Nikon Coolshot (bought factory refurb from Nikon) and it has been great.

Tried a friends Bushnell and yes, it was better in every way. Still not going to upgrade because well, good enough is good enough.

benseattle

12 months ago

I’m shopping for a rangefinder so I have no horse in this race but I also remain surprised at the failure to include many other brands in this test. Check the TecTecTec reviews on Amazon and the 4 1/2 stars surpass all other makes. How can more than 2,000 satisfied customers be that wrong? While I’m aware that MyGolfSpy says they provide unbiased reviews, let’s get real: Bushnell charges those $400-plus prices because SOMEBODY has to pay Rickie Fowler!

MyGolfSpy

12 months ago

We did test them last year and both TecTecTec units we by far the worst. They are not even close to being in the ballpark with other units at similar prices. Being brutally honest, they were awful.

Does anyone even trust Amazon reviews anymore?

mackdaddy

12 months ago

I have had a Bushnell pinseeker that got wet and crapped out. I got a Tec Tec Tec and it worked great until it flew out of the cart in a sudden rainstorm and broke the focus adjustment bezel. My buddy who I was riding with left it on the seat so he replaced it. Both units from tec tec tec had slope. The replacement had a scan feature. The second unit was junk!!! The slope numbers were way off. The number with slope uphill could be lower than the straight number. Thank goodness the original one was fixable. I super glued the bezel ring and with a little muscle I was able to get the focus to work again. Tec Tec Tec is either a great deal or a complete bust. I can testify to both sides of this story!

Sharkhark

12 months ago

Great thorough job as always.
The precision pro sounds like a great value.
I would love precise to the pin but use a GPS currently to help me on the wrong fairway lol!